BATMAN LIVE AT THE O2 ARENA

Batman Live is touring arenas for the first time ever across the UK opening in London's O2 arena on 24th August 2011 to 4th September.

Gotham City will be brought to life in Batman Live, with a huge stage lit up by a dazzling display of pyrotechnics and special effects. A unique and innovative theatrical experience, it combines acrobatics, daredevil stunt work, illusions, and cutting-edge design to bring the adventures of Batman and Robin to life on stage for the first time in the characters' history. The Creative Designer, Anthony Van Laast has worked on West End shows and Hollywood movies including the latest Harry Potter film. There is also a brand new Batmobile that has been created by Formula One desginer Professor Gordon Murray that will drive onto the stage.

An amazing feat of storytelling and stagecraft, Batman Live isn't just about the stunts with the emotional depth coming from an affecting coming of age story. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson - both orphaned at an early age - must first learn to overcome their own fears and forge their own family - along with Police Commissioner James Gordon and Bruce's trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth - if they're going to survive the combined forces of Batman's larger-than-life rogues gallery: The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

The story of Batman Live focuses on the young Dick Grayson, a circus performer whose parents are murdered becoming Bruce Wayne's ward and how he becomes Batman's sidekick Robin as he seeks justice for his parents' death.

A 100ft screen shaped like a bat will act as a backdrop for the special effects, and characters will be able to fly around the set thanks to a grid suspended above the stage. It will also include an action sequence where the Joker tries to escape in a hot air balloon, only to be shot down in flames.

It will tour the world for five years across the UK and Europe, beginning in summer 2011 and arriving in North America in August 2012.

Batman Live is written by Allan Heinberg, with the original story by Stan Berkowitz & Alan Burnett, and Allan Heinberg.